Here, early to mid-June, our picturesque landscape is elegantly enhanced by a dozen Cladrastis kentukea, Yellowwood. This flowering tree is one of our nation’s alluring arboreal attractions. In bloom the white, fragrant flowers occur in 8-14-inch-long pendulous panicles, hanging from the branch tips, a sight reminiscent of white wisteria. The individual 1-1 ½-inch-long flowers are papilionaceous, or pea-like flowers, which have five petals of three different shapes. A single upper petal is referred to as the “banner”, extending laterally on either side are two “wing” petals, and at the bottom are two adjacent “keel” petals. These flowers are very attractive to bees which may be buzzing about them throughout the sunny days. Native primarily to western North Carolina to Kentucky and Tennessee, but also reported in isolated parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma these generally rare Yellowwoods may grow 30–50-feet high, with a broad, rounded crown. Yellowwoods, are trees that flower heavily only every two or three years, so take a few extra moments to savor their spectacular flair when they are at their finest - right now! (fb)

A Serene Sunday Scene in Asa Gray Garden 💛 (fb)